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In 1987, on this very day, a momentous date in heavy rock occurred, as the album Appetite For Destruction was released by Guns N' Roses. Find out what else happened on this date here -

Guns N' Roses Announce U.S. Festival Date With Alice in Chains and Daughtry

Today marks the 23rd anniversary of the release of Guns N' Roses debut album, Appetite for Destruction, so it's only fitting that we have a big announcement for U.S. fans (it looks like a road trip may be in the making for some of you!) Guns N' Roses have announced their only 2010 U.S. show and their first U.S. concert appearance in four years at the Rock 'N Rev Festival.

Organizers announced on Tuesday that Guns N' Roses been officially recruited with Daughtry to join the inaugural Rock 'N Rev Festival and cement its assault on the legendary Sturgis Rally's 70th Anniversary celebration in Sturgis, SD, at the newly constructed Rock N' Rev Amphitheater at Monkey Rock USA.

Guns N' Roses will headline the fifth and final night of the festival, as it moves to the Brand New Rock 'N Rev Amphitheaterat Monkey Rock USA in Sturgis, adjacent to its original location. L.A.'s notorious rock 'n' roll bad boys - one of Q magazine's "50 Bands to See Before You Die" – have combined forces with HDlogix and DC3 Global for this rare and very special appearance on home soil to bring the "full-out rock 'n' roll spectacle" (Spin) of their 2010 "Chinese Democracy World Tour" to Sturgis and finish off the hijacking of the world's biggest, baddest biker event, Monday, Aug. 9 through Friday, Aug. 13, 2010. - more on this story

Metallica Enthusiastic About Possible Tour with Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax

Metallica are wrapping up a massive two-and-half year touring cycle later this year but that hasn't kept them from looking ahead to future tour plans and they may involve three words that will make any thrash metal fans salivate: The Big Four!

After this summer's monumental Big Four shows as part of the Sonisphere festival that saw Metallica share the stage with Megadeth, Slayer and Anthrax, Lars Ulrich has warmed up to the idea of bring the package to fans in the U.S. and the U.K. "The vibe on this thing [the 'Big Four' tour] is so big, we'd be stupid to ignore it," Ulrich tells Classic Rock magazine. "You know on your iPhone, you can move the weather maps up and down? Well, the 'Big Four' is quickly moving up to the top in terms of potential occurrences for the next couple of years."

But don't expect it to happen right away: "We started in May 2008, so we've got to go and lie down pretty soon!" he said. "We've got three runs out in Australia, Japan and New Zealand in the Fall, then we're going to take a little bit of a breather because at that point we will have been two-and-a-half years on the road." He adds, "So I would champion trying to do this [the 'Big Four' tour] in 2011 or 2012, obviously in England and the United States . It's just a matter of logistics. I don't think there's anybody involved who considers there's a sell-by date on this. - Read the Classic Rock Feature here

Iron Maiden Slams Bands for 'Raping' Fans

Iron Maiden won't be joining other veteran bands in "raping" their fans with excessive ticket prices. Frontman Bruce Dickinson has very strong feelings about this practice according to this report from our friends at Rock Radio:

Iron Maiden singer Bruce Dickinson says you won't catch his band trying to use the 'heritage' tag – because all it means is a tired old outfit is trying to fleece you. Dickinson points out that on the US and Canada leg of their world tour the top ticket price is $90 and as a result they're still an important act with a committed and young audience – unlike certain bands who 'milk' their own crowd.

And he singles out Eagles shows for being an example of the worst kind of prices and the worst kind of attendees. "We don't do $250. That's bulls*** – what is it with these 'heritage' acts? That's what they've branded themselves," He tells Noisecreep. "Basically you're seeing a bunch of bands who have been around for a while doing the same old s***. They come out of the woodwork after 10 years and go, 'You're going to pay through the nose, so we're going to rape you.' - He's just getting warmed up!

John Mayer Webcast Today

John Mayer has announced an online event that take place this afternoon. Here is announcement: John Mayer will host an exclusive live webcast from his Battle Studies Summer Tour stop at Nikon at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, NY today, (July 21st) beginning at 4:00pm EDT at johnmayer.com.

The behind-the-scenes view will give fans worldwide the opportunity to get a glimpse backstage at one of this summer's hottest tours, hosted by the artist himself. The glimpses backstage will be followed by a LIVE performance from Mayer's soundcheck. - more on this story

Despised Icon Plan North American Farewell Tour

Despised Icon are about to kick off their farewell tour of Europe but North American fans need not fret as the band plans to say goodbye to you too. Here is the announcement:

Despised Icon as any of their live shows are a true lesson in violence. After four, full-length albums backed with an unrelenting worldwide touring schedule the band has decided to call it a day and wrap up a stellar career with a final U.S. and Canadian trek this fall.

Alex Erian (vocals) further states: "It's been a little while since we've checked in with you guys. We're currently enjoying our first summer at home in over six years and it feels pretty damn good. However, we did receive amazing news a few days ago. Our last North American run is almost completely booked. We'll be touring most of the U.S. and Canada in September and October with our friends in Misery Index, Revocation and The Last Felony. We're stoked to have three of our favorite death metal bands on board with us for the final tour and urge you guys to check them out if you haven't already. Stay tuned as dates are coming soon." - Grab the Euro dates here

Maroon 5 Launching Radio Station

Maroon 5 are launching their very own A.P.E. Radio station, Maroon 5 Radio. On July 27th, the station will hit the digital airwaves at 9 pm EDT, with a live concert broadcast.

"Fuse Presents: Maroon 5 Live from the Beacon Theatre" will also air live in HD on the Fuse television network. iheartradio's A.P.E. channel, Maroon 5 Radio, is the exclusive online broadcast partner.

Says Maroon 5's Adam Levine, "Our fans have always been there for us. And, our new station Maroon 5 Radio is a new way for us to let them inside our world. We're starting the station off with a concert, for a great cause (The Garden of Dreams Foundation), which we just can't wait to play, and invite anyone outside NYC to join us in their homes on Fuse, as well as the iheartradio platforms." - more on this story

Ratt Ready To Roll Following Stephen's Surgery

Ratt vocalist Stephen Pearcy is ready to Ratt N' Roll again. The band was forced to cancel a string of European dates due to Pearcy's emergency surgery but he has made a full recovery and is ready to hit the road for a series of dates including shows with the Scorpions.

"Despite the forced break with my surgery, I'm feeling better and being out here on tour with the Scorpions is rehabilitating, to say the least," Pearcy said.

"We're doing different songs from Infestation and they are going over great! We're mixing up our set and kicking some ass. It's a Scorpion sting with some Ratt 'n' Roll! - more on this story

Pantera's Cowboys From Hell Remastered and Expanded

Pantera's classic album, Cowboys From Hell, turns 20 this year and Rhino have lined up three different special reissue packages. Here is the announcement: Pantera found its growl and groove on Cowboys From Hell, a landmark album whose bone-powdering intensity, razor-sharp riffing and pummeling rhythmic assault represented a turning point in modern metal when it was released in 1990. More than just Pantera's major label debut, many consider this album to be the official debut of the Pantera lineup with singer Philip Anselmo, guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott, his brother, drummer Vinnie Paul and bassist Rex Brown.

To celebrate the 20-year anniversary of Cowboys From Hell, Rhino rounds up a three-disc Ultimate Edition, a three-disc Deluxe Edition, and a two-disc Expanded Edition. All three editions include a newly remastered version of the original album along with unreleased and rare live performances from the "Cowboys From Hell" Tour.

The Ultimate and Deluxe Editions will also feature a disc of unreleased demos for nearly every album track, plus, "The Will To Survive," a previously unreleased song recorded during the album's sessions. - more on this story

TAB The Band Line Up Dates With Stone Temple Pilots and Slash

TAB The Band have announced dates with Stone Temple Pilots and Slash to wrap up their summer touring in support their album ZOO NOISES.

Sirius Radio's Little Steven's Underground Garage recently heralded TAB as the show's host, Steven Van Zandt (legendary guitarist and part of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, cast member of The Sopranos) named the Zoo Noises track "Run Away" the "Coolest Song in the World" for the week of June 6th and has been in rotation ever since. - more on this story

Iggy and the Stooges In The Hands of the Fans

Iggy and the Stooges are putting themselves In The Hands Of The Fans... MVD Entertainment Group has launched the site www.InTheHandsOfTheFans.com to offer fans a once in a lifetime opportunity to film and interview Iggy and the Stooges performing the seminal punk rock masterpiece RAW POWER at the All Tomorrow's Parties Festival on September 3, 2010.

Six lucky fans will be chosen by way of a video submission contest to join director Joey Carey on location at the Stardust Theater at Kutchers' Country Club in Monticello, NY. This marks the reunion between Iggy Pop and powerhouse guitarist James Williamson as well as original Stooges drummer Scott "Rock Action" Asheton. Also featuring Mike Watt on bass and Steve Mackay on saxophone.

The contest is based on fans submitting short high definition video segments asking Iggy and the Stooges interview questions, or demonstrating why they should win the contest. Winners of the contest will film and interview Iggy and the Stooges at All Tomorrow's Parties. This fan shot footage, along with the contestant video submissions, will be crafted into a high definition longform program, which will be part concert film and part reality TV show about the journey of the fans. - more on this story

Wolfmother Announce U.S. Dates and Late Night Appearance

Wolfmother returns to the U.S. this summer with select live performances and an appearance on Lopez Tonight on August 16th.

The tour makes its way through ten cities with stops including the annual Sturgis Rally in South Dakota, and the Outside Lands Festival in San Francisco.

Wolfmother welcomes new drummer Will Rockwell-Scott of Mooney Suzuki and Har Mar Superstar fame to the band and the upcoming tour- be sure to catch them live this August. - more on this story

The Dig Added To Dashboard Confessional Shows

The Dig just finished a tour with Thrice and Bad Veins and have also toured with The Joy Formidable, The Antlers, Editors, Portugal. The Man, and more.

Now they can add a new name to the list of notable artists they have shared the stage with: Dashboard Confessional. They have announced two Midwest dates next week.

Their debut album Electric Toys came out June 8 and was produced by Bryce Goggin (Pavement, Antony & the Johnsons, The Ramones.) - more on this story

Cracker And Camper Van Beethoven Traveling Apothecary Show and Campout

Cracker and Camper Van Beethoven (two bands, led by frontman David Lowery, that've both played major roles in the inception of indie, Americana and alt-rock) will be hitting the road together again starting August 19th in Seattle as part of their Traveling Apothecary Show Tour, just prior to their sixth annual Campout music festival in Pioneertown, CA on Sep. 10th & 11th.

Along with headlining performances from Cracker & Camper Van Beethoven, previous Campouts have also included the likes of Built To Spill, Quasi, Citay and a number of other various Cracker & CVB solo and side projects.

This year both Joshua Tree's very own Gram Rabbit and the Riverside, CA-based garage-meets-soul band The Bellrays will be joining the line-up, along with The Dangers, Johnny Hickman, David Immergluck & Coby Brown, Miss Derringer, McCabe & Mrs. Miller, Jonathan Segal and Ashley Raines. - more on this story

Fountains of Wayne's Jody Porter Announces Solo Dates

Fountains of Wayne guitarist Jody Porter will be hitting the road next month for a few select Northeast dates.

Jody released his solo debut Close To The Sun via Engine Room Recordings in May.

Porter and his band will be at Rockwood Stage 2 in NYC on Aug 13, Lizard Lounge in Boston on Aug 14 & North Star Bar in Philly on Aug 20. - more on this story

5 Reasons Artists Should Ditch Record Labels

likeZEBRA have laid out their Top 5 Reasons an artist or band should ditch record labels as a way to promote the virtues of what they have to offer in comparison to the traditional label route. Here you go:

1. Competition for Attention- Music artists are already forced to compete for the attention and interest of fans; they shouldn't have to compete for that attention within their own record label. Labels divvy up their focus between multiple signed artists. Whereas an artist may be giving 100% to developing their music career, a label can only allocate a fraction.

2. Quantity over Quality- A record label's main concern is the monetary return on their investment, but an artist's main passion is the quality of the music being produced. Conflicting core values between labels and artists unnecessarily inhibit the creativity and uniqueness of the artists' music. - more on this story

Beneath The Massacre Announce New EP

Beneath The Massacre have set a September 14th North American release date for their new EP, "Maree Noire".

The effort was co-produced by Chris Donaldson, known for his work with Cryptopsy, with guitarist Chris Bradley and the band. It was mixed by Donaldson and mastered by Alan Douches (Hatebreed, Shadows Fall, Converge).

Bradley commented on the release: "'Marée Noire' was written using a different approach than the preceding release. We wouldn't start the writing process from the same point. Some songs were more structured by melodies while others all started from drums pattern. I think it makes the songs stand out a little more." - more on this story

Singled Out: Ruth Gerson's This Can't Be My Life

Welcome to Singled Out! where we ask artists to tell us the inside story of their latest single. Today Ruth Gersontells us about the title track from her album "This Can't Be My Life" which finally hit stores yesterday. We now turn it over to Ruth for the story:

Writing the album got me from nowhere to somewhere and through the second hardest part of my life. [Originally ready for a summer 2007 release (the album was recorded, mastered and pressed), Gerson held back "This Can't Be My Life" because of her divorce and the challenges of being a newly-single parent.] The title track came on one of those days where everything had gone wrong, and everything was wrong, and I was on my hands and knees picking up a stack of broken plates and glasses off the floor, because an entire shelf had fallen. I was laughing at the metaphor for my life and I knew that I hadn't gone through everything I had gone through to get to a place of being totally beaten down. I think the spirit of my grandmother threw those plates and glasses on the floor to wake me up. I could hear her yelling at me and I was laughing as I was picking it all up and saying over and over, "This can't be my life, this can't be my life, this can't be my life."

Not my most sane hour, but an important one. Every part of me was rejecting that this was it. You think change is hard, but change is easy, compared to not changing. I was writing the entire album in a vacant therapist's office, I had use of in Chelsea, early in the mornings, from 6am to about 11am, I laughed so hard writing this song, I made two lefts, I shoulda gone right, If I made one more left, it woulda been right, It can't be, can't be my life.

People laugh at it with me. Everybody has been there. It's good to be on the other side of it. Everybody has their own worst problems, right? But the difference is, what to be grateful for, is having the opportunity to change things. Not everybody can change what's beating them. So many things are out of our control. Writing this song, playing this song changed my life. If a song can help you change your life, you're fortunate.

I was also fortunate to be able to work with Daniel Wise (producer, mixer). I had known him for years, but peripherally and re-working the recording of this song with him was a life-changing experience as well. When I started working on this song, I was working with a producer who was on some kind of power trip. I didn't yet have the self-propriety I have now, so I just took it, and you could hear it loud and clear on the track. Daniel Wise came into it and gave me this giant gift not only of his time and enormous talents, but a generosity of spirit. Looking at him, you'd never guess the man was such a beacon of hope and positivity, because he's got this indie producer, East Village swagger, but he is. He's amazing. It was awesome to record "This Can't Be My Life" with him. I had kinda lost my voice, both mentally and physically in some ways, and what makes Dan such a great producer is that in about two hours he helped me find it. Daniel Wise can wake the dead. I try to give all my students what Dan gave me. I tell them every day - every note you sing is beautiful, which is true on every level.

Ultimately recording the song was as life-changing as writing it.

Learn more about the album and grab tour dates - right here!

American Hi-Fi's Lost Video

American Hi-Fi have released the video for the song "Lost" from their forthcoming album, Fight The Frequency.

The album drops August 17 on their own label, Hi-Fi Killers/The Ascot Club (through Megaforce/RED/Sony).

The clip was shot in Los Angeles with award-winning director Chris Applebaum (Rihanna, Kid Rock, Fountains of Wayne), who previously worked with the band on the clip for their smash hit "Flavor Of The Weak." - Watch it here

Chimaira Come Alive

Chimaira have unleashed their brand new CD/DVD box set, Coming Alive, which includes a four-part documentary filmed over the course of a year and a half while the entire package includes over 7 hours of exclusive content.

The DVD, filmed entirely in HD, showcases Chimaira in the studio while recording the Billboard-charting, The Infection, and chronicles their recent, worldwide touring season. In summary, Coming Alive is an in-depth look into Chimaira's life and music in the studio and on the road.

Not only does the DVD set include this amazing documentary piece, another section, Chimaira XMAS: Live Concert Film, celebrates the 10th annual Chimaira Christmas show in Cleveland, Ohio, which took place on December 30th, 2009. 13 HD cameras capture Chimaira releasing their fury for their hometown crowd on a dark and snowy night in December. - more on this story

Darker My Love Announce Tour With Band Of Horses Offer Free Download

Darker My Love are hitting the road with Band Of Horses. Beginning August 17th in Los Angeles, CA, Darker My Love will embark on a short headlining tour before extending their summer trek with Band of Horses, which began in the United Kingdom this June.

Fans can also find the track DEAR AUTHOR, for free download. A song which Buzzbands LA raves "between the insistent beat and the harmony saturate chorus, DEAR AUTHOR glides straight to your sweet spot," can be downloaded here

These dates come in support of the band's upcoming album, ALIVE AS YOU ARE, out August 17th on Dangerbird Records. - more on this story

Evile Post Videos Mike Alexander Memorial Show Online

Evile have posted videos from Mike Alexander Memorial Show online. Here is announcement, followed by links to the vids:

In October 2009 Evile's bassist, Mike Alexander, passed away whilst on tour in Sweden. He died of a pulmonary embolism, he was 32. Two months after the tragedy, in December 2009, Evile arranged two memorial shows (Leeds & London) to honour the memory of Mike and to raise money for his family. While Mutant and Seregon played the show by request, Matt, Ol and Ben got together with members of the other bands and Nick Barker to play some covers by some of Mike's favourite bands including Sepultura, Testament, Metallica, Pantera and Slayer.

Evile lead guitarist, Ol Drake, had the following to say: "The two nights we did in December meant so much to us all. It was our own way of saying goodbye to our friend, Mike. We attended his funeral with his family and friends, and it was a good ceremony, but we wanted something we know Mike would have loved; two nights of Metal. It was tough to get back on stage again without looking over and seeing him there, as that's what we'd all seen on stage for the past 10/11 years. I don't think people realise how long we all played together. We still miss Mike dearly and can't believe he's gone. Thank you to everyone involved in helping us make these nights happen, and thank you to everyone for coming and paying your respects. I hope you enjoy these videos!" - check out the videos here

Jungle Rot Lose Member, Announce New Tour With Lightning Swords Of Death and Woe Of Tyrants

Napalm Records sent over word that Jungle Rot's drummer finds himself caught in a personal crisis, bows out of the band as the band announces new US tour dates with Lightning Swords Of Death and Woe Of Tyrants.

JUNGLE ROT report the following regarding the departure of drummer Eric House: "Eric found himself in a personal crisis that demanded his utmost attention. Therefore, he had no choice but to leave the band. Since then, we have been jamming with our good friend Tony Ochoa [SINDROME, SPEED HATE KILL] behind the kit, and things are sounding great! Tony is a ridiculously hard hitter and will be joining us on the road for the upcoming U.S. tour!"

In other news, JUNGLE ROT will soon be touring the US & Canada in support of the band's latest album, What Horrors Await, released last year via Napalm Records. Support on this trek will come from Metal Blade recording artists LIGHTNING SWORDS OF DEATH and WOE OF TYRANTS. Comments founding vocalist/guitarist David Matrise: "We are stoked to get back out on the road in the U.S. and Canada! It's been way too long! We expect to see you at the shows! No excuses! For all the fans in areas of the country we are not visiting on this tour, fret not! We will be doing more extensive touring in the spring after the release of our new album." - more on this story

Mushroomhead To Deliver Beautiful Stories For Ugly Children This Fall

Mushroomhead will release their new album, Beautiful Stories For Ugly Children, on September 28, 2010.

The band will debut its first single "Come On" at radio in August. "This first single is going to surprise people by being very melodic, yet with a crushing undertone," says ring-leader and drummer Skinny.

"It feels really good this time around. The album is less ambient and heavier, yet retains that creepy Mushroomhead dynamic." - more on this story

Early Man's Death Potion Tour Will Feature Evile and Bonded By Blood

Early Man will kick off their headlining fall "Death Potion Tour" on September 30 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with Evile and Bonded By Blood opening all dates.

The four-piece will be playing a few dates in the Western US leading up to the tour, including dates in Las Vegas, Anaheim, CA, and Tucson.

Early Man are touring in support their sophomore full-length release, Death Potion, which was released by The End Records this week. - more on this story

Loomis and the Lust Space Camp in August

Loomis and the Lust will release their sophomore EP, Space Camp, on August 10th.

In one year since dropping their debut EP, the band has received numerous accolades from the press including a feature in Billboard Magazine and being lauded by MTV Iggy as one of the "Top 25 Best New Bands in the World." They also won the "Artist on the Verge" award by OurStage.com and garnered a $25,000 prize at the New Music Seminar.

Co-produced by Jay Ferguson, Space Camp is fused with dance rock riffs and sun-soaked melodies for a sound that is as upbeat as it is unforgettable. - more on this story

Anthrax, Fall Out Boy and Every Time I Die Supergroup The Damned Things Writing New Album

Metal Hammer recently met up with The Damned Things, the new band of Anthrax, Fall Out Boy, and Every Time I Die musicians, to talk about their new band.

During the chat, Scott Ian (Anthrax) and Joe Trohman (Fall Out Boy) reveal they have the songwriting almost finished.

They say they have around 40 tracks written, but there is not cover-artwork and nor have they settled on album-title yet, but they do have some ideas.
- Check it out here

Hal Leonard Launches Lyric T-shirts

That catchy song lyric that's always in your head can now be on your t-shirt. Or your coffee mug. Or your mouse pad. The world's largest and most innovative music print publisher, Hal Leonard Corporation has just launched its latest website, LyricStore.com, the only site where you can print accurate, licensed lyrics on a wide variety of products.

Lyrics from songs recorded by the world's top artists – including The Beatles, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, Brooks & Dunn and many others – are on the site, all completely copyright protected, with royalties paid to the appropriate publishers and songwriters. All genres of music are represented on LyricStore.com, including rock, pop, country, standards, Broadway, hip-hop, metal, Christian and more. - more on this story

UFO's Best of a Decade Coming

SPV/ Steamhammer have announced the September 28th release of UFO's "Best of a Decade".

True rock legends such as UFO are characterized not only by the fact that they have added several classic anthems to the annals of rock history, but that their musical output, after many years, still remains at such a consistently high level and they always have something new and fresh coming up. With classic albums such as "Phenomenon", "Force it" and "No Heavy Pettin" Phil Mogg, Vinnie Moore, Andy Parker and Paul Raymond still sound vital and imaginative to this day.

There are more stories about UFO than actual songs that they have composed. Any band who has been in the music business for 40 plus years are bound to have experienced difficult times, but also dazzling success. UFO's story began in London way back in 1969, when vocalist Phil Mogg, drummer Andy Parker, guitarist Mick Bolton and bassist Pete Way formed the group, borrowing the band name from a legendary London music club. The band distinguished themselves with their very own, unmistakable style, touching a nerve among their growing following with rock numbers like 'Prince Kajuku', 'Follow You Home' or 'C'mon Everybody' from their albums "UFO 1", "Flying" and "UFO Live". - more on this story

Grace Potter & The Nocturnals Release New Video

Grace Potter & The Nocturnals premiered the video to their new single, "Paris," online yesterday.

The video clip was shot by director Paul Minor (Muse, Queens of The Stone Age) at the famed Cafe Club Fais Do-Do in Los Angeles. Watch it here On July 26, fans can catch the band performing "Paris" on Jimmy Kimmel Live.

The band also announced a string of dates with Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, to be followed by a run with the Avett Brothers. The fun begins September 18 at Minglewood Hall in Memphis, TN. - more on this story